Denmark has voted to join the European Union's defense policy after a referendum on Wednesday, marking a historic moment in a series of shifts among Nordic countries in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The country is the only EU member that is not part of the bloc's defense and security policy and the referendum marks the first time a government has succeeded in abolishing one of several exemptions secured in a 1993 referendum on the Maastricht Treaty. Final results showed that almost 67% of voters were in favor of removing an opt-out to the EU's so-called Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP).
Denmark To Join EU Defense Policy
The massive show of support is the largest recorded show of support in a referendum on an EU matter in Denmark. The vote to abolish the opt-out is a major win for those who are in favor of greater EU cooperation while those against it argued that the EU's defense pact is strained by bureaucracy and noted that Denmark's participation will be too costly.
In a statement on Wednesday, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said that they have already sent a signal to the country's allies in NATO in Europe. She noted that they have sent a clear signal to Russian President Vladimir Putin about Denmark's stance, as per Reuters.
Frederiksen added that when Putin invades a free and independent country and threatens peace and stability they will all move closer together. While the results of the vote will not have major practical implications for the European Union, it will be viewed positively in Brussels, said Christine Nissen, a researcher at the Danish Institute for International Studies.
She said that the vote was part of a general trend right now where countries are moving closer together to fight a security threat. Earlier this month, in historic policy shifts, Finland and Sweden decided to apply for NATO membership while both Denmark and Germany have already promised to sharply raise defense spending.
According to CNN, Frederiksen said that Denmark cannot stay neutral when a freedom threat knocks on Europe's door. She expressed his support for Ukraine and its people amid Russia's continued aggression and unprovoked invasion.
Historic Policy Shift
In a Twitter post, European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen said that she welcomed the strong message of commitment to the common security sent by the Danish people. She noted that the country's expertise in defense is highly valued and said that she was convinced that both Denmark and the EU will benefit from the decision.
The leader of the Danish Conservative Party, Soren Pape Poulsen, said that after 30 years, Danes have decided that it was time to get rid of the opt-out and build closer cooperation in Europe. He noted that close cooperation with Denmark's allies has not been more important since the Cold War.
The primary effect of abandoning the opt-out will be that Danish officials could stay in the room when EU colleagues discuss defense topics and Danish forces can take part in EU military operations, such as those being conducted in Africa, Bosnia, and Herzegovina, the Associated Press reported.
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